XP going going

garys · Post by **garys** » Thu Apr 03, 2014 10:08 pm

JPG40504 wrote:Whatca running DOS on?

Anyone know of a workaround to run dos stuff on ubuntu. I am considering making a laptop with a bad hard drive an ubuntu machine after I replace the hard drive. Need to be able to run compilers.

I don't use Ubuntu, but it should have no problems running DOS programs using any of the available Linux/DOS emulators. I use Fedora, and it has dosemu or dosbox to do that job. Ubuntu should have similar packages.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Apr 03, 2014 10:16 pm

garys wrote:I don't use Ubuntu, but it should have no problems running DOS programs using any of the available Linux/DOS emulators. I use Fedora, and it has dosemu or dosbox to do that job. Ubuntu should have similar packages.

Good news indeed! Thanks!

rlkeeney · Post by **rlkeeney** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 5:13 am

JPG40504 wrote:Anyone know of a workaround to run dos stuff on ubuntu.

DOS Box would be the simplest I think.

You could also run it in a virtual machine if you need a specific version of DOS to get it to work. This is a bit more complicated.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 11:17 am

DOS is required in some of our older manufacturing machines (3D printers) as the software for building parts has not been updated. The machines will probably retired as there are no plans to update the software for these models and these are older and smaller platform machines that are much less efficient than newer ones.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 4:13 pm

rlkeeney wrote:DOS Box would be the simplest I think.

You could also run it in a virtual machine if you need a specific version of DOS to get it to work. This is a bit more complicated.

Dos Box not available for ubuntu(or at least I have not found it). Foundit for other versions of Linux.

I down loaded dosemu, it installed icons etc, but nothing happens when I click on them.

?????

I installed ubuntu to aflash drive from a dvd in a dummies book.

Next step is to get a hard drive(pata!!!) for the laptop and start over by downloading from online.

My original thinking(?) was to boot from the flash drive, but that computer will not boot from a usb port(bios*^R^%$#). Works great on a different laptop that will! Running it now!!!

Any caveats/suggestions?

I may have to install from the dvd(bootable) to the new hard drive, then go online and 'update'.

That will create a totally Linux(ubuntu) machine.

Off to 'procure' a used pATA 2.5".

rlkeeney · Post by **rlkeeney** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 7:26 am

JPG40504 wrote:Dos Box not available for ubuntu(or at least I have not found it). Foundit for other versions of Linux.

It's in the Official Software Center. You should just be able to install it with a click.

You should read this: Installing Software.

If all else fails you can always download the source code and roll your own. They don't have to make a version for your distribution for you to use it. You can make your own distribution if you want. Free doesn't just mean you don't have to pay it means freedom to do it how ever you want.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 2:25 pm

rlkeeney wrote:It's in the Official Software Center. You should just be able to install it with a click.

You should read this: Installing Software.

If all else fails you can always download the source code and roll your own. They don't have to make a version for your distribution for you to use it. You can make your own distribution if you want. Free doesn't just mean you don't have to pay it means freedom to do it how ever you want.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):):)

rlkeeney · Post by **rlkeeney** » Sun Apr 06, 2014 6:18 am

JPG you finally got into a discussion that I know something about. Computers Linux in particular. Glad I could help.

tomsalwasser · Post by **tomsalwasser** » Sat Apr 12, 2014 6:09 am

I recently downloaded a copy of Ubuntu Linux and installed it in dual boot mode on one of my several XP computers. With a few exceptions it was painless and I was really blown away with how much I liked it. I then installed Chrome and DropBox and I was in business. It was so successful I've installed it at least a half dozen times now. Only 1 install failed, not sure what happened on that one. And yes I still run a DOS program so I also installed DOSBox (the debian version is the one that runs on Ubuntu) and it works great too.

Why DOS you may ask? Well I've been running the same accounting program since my first computer in the 1980's. It's just excellent and I really like it. And truth be told accounting hasn't changed much since Luca Pacioli invented debits and credits in 1495. So I've managed to make that little guy work over all these years in all versions of DOS and Windows and now Linux.

The other day I found myself in possession of a copy of Windows 8.1. It can be installed but it must be activated online and it's the activation key that you have to pay for. But it gives you 30 days or so to see what you think before it shuts itself down. So I installed it and I was surprised to see how easy the install went and how well it works on the middle-aged XP computer I tried it on. It's fast and beautiful and looks just like Windows 7 if you click the icon for desktop mode. The start menu is not there but I guess the uproar has been so strong from people who missed it that it's coming soon in the next update. If you can't wait, you can install a 3rd party start menu called Classic Shell. So don't assume you can't run Windows 8.1. Try it you'll like it! I do.

BigSky · Post by **BigSky** » Sat Apr 12, 2014 8:31 am

XP isn't gone! There will simply be no more service packs. As old and experienced as XP now is there is very little need for continued service packs. The only need for them now would be protection from a virus. That can be achieved from other existing support software.

If you like XP you can keep XP!:rolleyes: